Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Every student attending a secondary school in the York Catholic District School Board has the opportunity to be involved in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). Students are able to explore exciting careers in apprenticeship occupations through the Cooperative Education program.

Students, parents/guardians and employers are encouraged to explore the benefits of OYAP, to read testimonials and to discover how OYAP provides choices and pathways towards successful careers.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Career program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in grade 11 or grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Career program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in grade 11 or grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diploma.

What are the student enrolment guidelines?

Students who wish to enrol in OYAP must:

be 16 years of age

be a full time student in a secondary school

have 16 high school credits

be working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a hands on training program for people who enjoy learning by doing and earning while learning. The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgment and creativity. Employers provide about 90 percent of apprenticeship training in the workplace. The remaining 10 percent involves classroom instruction on theory which is usually delivered at an approved community college or training organization. Upon successful completion of the practical and in-school components, apprentices have an opportunity to write the provincial/interprovincial exam to become a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade.

Does an OYAP student earn a wage?

Payment of a wage to an OYAP student during the hours of their Cooperative Education placement is at the discretion of their employer. Students who are registered apprentices must be paid a wage while working beyond school hours or after graduation as apprentices.

What kinds of jobs are available in the skilled trades?

There are over 130 skilled trades in Ontario covering the automotive, industrial, construction and service sectors. Some examples:

Automotive

Auto Service Technician

Auto Body/Collision Repairer

Partsperson

Small Engine Technician

Motorcycle Mechanic

Construction

General Carpenter

Electrician

Plumber

Refrigeration/AC Mechanic

Sheet Metal Worker

Industrial

Facilities Maintenance Technician

General Machinist

Tool & Die Maker

Mould Maker

Cabinetmaker

Welder

Service

Early Childhood Educator

Education Assistant

Child & Youth Worker

Horticultural Technician

Information Technology Support Analyst

How do I get an apprenticeship after graduating from high school?

You have three choices:

If you are an OYAP student, you simply continue your apprenticeship training with your employer. You will be required to attend several short periods of in-school training at a college or training organization.

Enrol in a college apprenticeship program where you will take all of the in-school theory before starting the ‘on-the-job’ training portion.

Find an employer who is willing to sponsor/mentor you in a full time ‘on-the-job’ apprenticeship. You will be required to attend several short periods of in-school training at a college or training organization.

For all the above choices, you must write a provincial exam to become a licensed journeyperson upon successful completion of training and schooling.

What kind of wages can i expect as a skilled tradesperson?

While wages vary from trade to trade, with training and experience you can expect to earn above minimum wage in most positions. Many qualified journeypersons (who have obtained their Certificate of Apprenticeship) earn between $40,000 and $60,000.

Will I have career mobility as an apprentice?

Yes … many skilled workers move into positions in management, teaching, writing, or start their own business.

Can I get started on my apprenticeship training before I complete high school?

Yes. You can do so by applying for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) at your school, you can become a youth apprentice and begin your post-secondary training schedule while earning your secondary school credits.

Where can I get more information?

Talk to a teacher in Cooperative Education, Guidance, or Technological Studies program in your school. To apply, you need to complete an application form for a Cooperative Education placement.

Benefits of the OYAP

Benefits for Students

an opportunity to get a ‘head start’ in an apprenticeship by reducing time and expenses that would be spent in training after high school

a seamless transition from school to post secondary training

an opportunity to develop a valuable network of employers for future job opportunities

valuable work experience, employability skills and an understanding of employer expectations

an opportunity to explore interesting and creative apprenticeship occupations for career decision making

an opportunity to become registered apprentices while working towards their secondary school diploma

provides an ‘open door’ to well paid employment

Benefits for Employers

provides a work force of young people who have skills and work experience

helps identify and train future skilled trades people

enables employers to participate directly in the education and training of students

enables employers to train potential employees to their company standards

gives the employer the opportunity to observe and assess the capabilities of a potential apprentice before making a long term commitment

assists in increasing the positive perception of the trades

employers benefit from the student’s increasing performance and productivity